National Library Unveils Five-Year Digital Transformation Plan
By JOANNA ILUSANMI
A New Digital Direction
THE National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has unveiled a five-year development agenda aimed at accelerating digital transformation, expanding access to library services and strengthening the preservation of the country’s cultural and intellectual resources.
The plan emerged from the institution’s review of its performance between 2022 and 2025 under the leadership of the National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi.
The new strategy is designed to build on recent improvements in digital services, collections, infrastructure and user engagement while repositioning the National Library within Nigeria’s evolving knowledge and information ecosystem.
Anunobi disclosed the plans while presenting her performance scorecard at a news conference.
More Digital Services, Wider Access
According to the National Librarian, the next phase will place greater emphasis on strengthening digital systems and expanding the digitisation of rare and fragile materials.
The institution also plans to transform its branch libraries into more vibrant learning and knowledge centres.
The strategy will extend beyond technology. It will include efforts to improve staff competence in modern library practices and make branches more accessible and relevant to learners and other users.
Cultural preservation, literacy, lifelong learning, sustainable funding and staff capacity development have also been identified as major priorities.
More Than 272,000 Users Recorded
The performance review showed that 272,172 users registered with the National Library between 2022 and 2025.
The institution also recorded 446,119 visits to its branches, while 610,462 library resources were consulted during the period.
The figures provide an indication of continued demand for library services even as information consumption increasingly shifts towards digital platforms.
Regional figures showed that the North-Central zone recorded the highest number of registered users, with 66,736 registrations, representing 27.9 per cent of the total.
The South-West followed with 49,125 registrations, while the North-West recorded 36,453.
The South-East, South-South and North-East recorded 29,003, 27,951 and 27,175 registrations respectively.
Four Branches Account for More Than Half of Registrations
At branch level, the Federal Capital Territory recorded the highest number of registrations with 46,872.
Lagos followed with 29,683, while Enugu and Kaduna recorded 26,543 and 26,143 respectively.
The four branches together accounted for more than 54 per cent of total registrations during the period.
The concentration of users in these locations could provide useful data for the National Library as it plans to improve services and expand access across the country.
Collections & Publishing Services Expanded
The National Library also reported significant growth in its collection and publishing-related services.
Between 2022 and 2025, it issued 74,134 International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) and received 28,002 titles through legal deposits.
The institution catalogued and classified 132,694 volumes, harvested 5,512 electronic resources and recruited 198 staff members.
Its holdings also increased by 22,800 titles and 133,729 volumes.
The National Library had 5,242,791 titles and 13,973,369 volumes at the end of 2022. Following additions between 2023 and 2025, its holdings rose to approximately 5,265,591 titles and 14,107,098 volumes.
Digital Footprint Expands
Anunobi said the institution had expanded its digital presence through several platforms.
They include the National Virtual Library of Nigeria, National Repository of Nigeria, redesigned website, upgraded KOHA online catalogue, ISBN Verification Portal, ISSN Portal, Newspaper Locator and Legal Deposit Application.
The National Library also digitised 167,505 pages of rare and fragile resources and archived 2,454 items in the National Repository of Nigeria.
The institution further harvested 5,512 electronic resources and listed 1,152 new arrivals.
Infrastructure Remains Part of the Strategy
The digital agenda is being pursued alongside physical infrastructure development.
Anunobi said two prototype library buildings in Osogbo, Osun State, and Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, had reached practical completion.
Construction was also ongoing in Calabar, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ilorin and Jalingo, with the projects at different stages of completion as of August 2026.
Four branches were renovated during the period.
Other interventions included perimeter fencing, alternative power supply, student accommodation and toilet facilities.
Building the Institution Behind the Technology
The National Library also reported 453 staff promotions between 2022 and 2025.
By 2026, the institution had 648 members of staff in service.
The emphasis on staff development reflects the reality that digital transformation requires more than new platforms and digitised collections.
It also requires librarians and other personnel with the skills to manage digital resources, support users and preserve information in changing technological environments.
The success of the new five-year agenda will ultimately depend on how effectively the institution combines technology, infrastructure, skilled personnel and sustainable funding.
